Diethylstilbestrol disulfate

Diethylstilbestrol disulfate is a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen that was formerly used in the treatment of hormone-dependent tumors, and for palliative treatment of prostate cancer. It is no longer used due to its risk of causing cancer.

History

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was first synthesized in 1938. It was the first synthetic estrogen to be discovered, and was widely prescribed to pregnant women from the 1940s through the 1970s with the incorrect belief that it could prevent miscarriages. In 1971, it was discovered that DES was associated with an increased risk of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma in daughters exposed to the drug in utero. As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contraindicated its use in pregnant women. DES was also used in agriculture to promote growth in livestock, but this use was banned in the 1970s.

Pharmacology

DES is a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen. It is a long-acting estrogen, and is more potent than natural estrogens. DES is a full agonist of the estrogen receptor.

Adverse effects

The most serious adverse effect of DES is its carcinogenicity. It is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took the drug, and with an increased risk of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma in daughters exposed to the drug in utero. Other adverse effects of DES include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and menstrual irregularities.

See also

• Estrogen
• Diethylstilbestrol
• Hormone-dependent cancers
• Prostate cancer

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